EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE CAPACITY BUILDING OF MANPOWER IN TOURISM PROFESSIONALS IN HOTEL SERVICES ACCORDING TO ASEAN COMPETENCY STANDARD
Abstract:
This research aims to (1) analyze the manpower needed in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services according to ASEAN competency standards, (2) analyze the current condition and desired condition of educational investment for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services according to ASEAN competency standards, and (3) propose educational investment strategies for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services according to ASEAN competency standards. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. The research finding are as follows: (1) the quantitative manpower needed, in the case of total employed persons, the point forecasts for the 2015 to 2018 would increase, as expected by about 0.5-2.4 percent per years. The trend of employment based on educational attainment levels, the employment of all of the educational attainment levels, it would be upward as well. Considering the qualitative manpower needed in accordance with ASEAN standards were insufficient to meet the needs of establishments. The difference between the current condition and desired condition was statistically significant. Specifically, English language proficiencies and knowledge transfer were in the lowest level. (2) The current condition of educational investment, the highest proportion of educational investment for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services according to ASEAN competency standard has been involved by government sector. Considering the desired condition, the establishments and nonprofit organisations should actively engage in educational investment. The finding are valuable for sending out signals to operating sectors which are responsible for educational investment which optimises the capabilities of Thailands tourism professions as follows: (1) enhancing the educational investment for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services to the needed of labour market, (2) enhancing the educational investment for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services to the international standards, (3) increasing the efficiency and reducing the waste of educational investment for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services, and (4) encouraging and supporting the innovative educational investment for capacity building of manpower in Thailands tourism professionals in hotel services.